Greetings cards specialist Card Factory expects to meet revised profit targets despite a fall in store sales over Christmas.
Card Factory reported total store sales down 0.8% in November and December 2025, when like-for-likes fell 1.2%. However, total group revenue was up 4.3% year on year.
The retailer, which issued a profit warning just before Christmas, said the performance was “in line with our revised expectations, reflecting the challenging UK consumer backdrop and lower footfall across UK shopping destinations”.
In the year to date, group revenue was up 7.3% to £541.6m, “supported by positive contributions from acquired businesses”. Total store sales increased 1.1% and like-for-likes were flat.
Card Factory chief executive Darcy Willson-Rymer said: “We are on track to deliver profits in line with our revised guidance. During the second half of the year, and particularly the important Christmas period, trading in our UK stores reflected the challenging consumer backdrop, which contributed to soft high street footfall. Across the group, we are encouraged by the performance of our international businesses and that the integration of Funky Pigeon remains on track.
“While the outlook for the UK high street remains uncertain, we continue to focus on our value-led proposition to help our customers celebrate all life’s moments. In addition, we continue to successfully drive efficiencies and manage costs through our ‘Simplify and Scale’ programme. The board remains confident in the group’s prospects and the continued momentum of our growth strategy.”
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